Yes, I arrived in Israel, no, the KLR is still at customs, not released.

Our cargo ship couldn’t arrive at a worse time in Israel than today. Early morning was the attack on the ships in international waters on their way to Gaza. We were met by increased security. In all offices all televisions brought images of what had happened early morning. Everyone applauded the actions of the army.

Before we could come to immigration there were a few hurdles to overcome. I was questioned and questioned and cross-checked. In one office I was asked how often, and when, I had visited Israel before. In the next office a lady told me when and how often I had been here. And then the hammer: “Mr de Jager, where is your passport, with which you have visited Israel the previous time?” I had to go and fetch my passport, which I saved for Sudan.

Would I ever again think that planning a Botswana trip is complicated?